Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H3405

Introduced

2/27/25

Refer

2/27/25

Caption

Establishing permanent standard time within the Commonwealth to promote sleep and health

Impact

If enacted, H3405 will have significant implications on various aspects of state law. For instance, it will impact the time regulations as applied to government functions, public schools, and other institutions within the Commonwealth. The bill stipulates that its provisions will be applicable to all contracts and legal actions performed in the state, potentially altering operational timelines for businesses and governmental agencies alike.

Summary

House Bill 3405 aims to establish permanent standard time within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to promote health and well-being. The bill seeks to amend Chapter 4 of the General Laws by enacting a permanent standard time that is exempt from the seasonal adjustments typically outlined in the federal Uniform Time Act. This legislation is rooted in a growing body of research that associates the regularity of time cues with positive health outcomes and better sleep patterns among residents.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding this bill. Critics may argue that changing to a permanent standard time could disrupt established schedules, particularly in relation to business hours and the coordination of activities with neighboring states that do not adopt similar measures. Additionally, opponents may raise concerns about the implications for daylight availability, especially during the winter months, which could affect outdoor activities and tourism. However, proponents advocate for the health benefits associated with consistent sleep patterns and schedules, citing studies linking time changes to negative health outcomes.

Companion Bills

MA H5183

Replaced by Study Order

Previously Filed As

MA H5335

Establishing the official crustacean of the Commonwealth

MA S2378

To update and standardize transit definitions in the Commonwealth

MA H3813

To update and standardize transit definitions in the Commonwealth

MA H2701

To promote and protect safety in the Commonwealth

MA H4207

Relative to school library standards

MA H1999

Establishing a permanent commission to study the service standards for sexual assault and domestic violence service providers

MA S428

Relative to school library standards

MA H3698

Relative to federal motor vehicle safety standards compliance

MA H1791

Establishing mandatory post release supervision in the Commonwealth

MA H1937

Relative to the Commonwealth’s right to appeal bail decisions

Similar Bills

PA SB222

Providing for grant oversight.

PA HB330

Providing for improper payments; providing for participation in Do-Not-Pay Initiative; and imposing a penalty.

PA HB2052

Providing for internal auditing; and imposing duties on the Auditor General.

PA SB189

Providing for the use of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer identifier in all Commonwealth agency or entity blanks, forms, documents and applications; and imposing penalties.

PA HB703

A Joint Resolution proposing integrated amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for the election and qualifications of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

PA HB2430

Establishing the Office of Transformation and Opportunity and the Commonwealth Housing Ombudsman.

PA HB1966

In bases of jurisdiction and interstate and international procedure, further providing for assistance to tribunals and litigants outside this Commonwealth with respect to service and for issuance of subpoena; in commencement of proceedings, further providing for authority of officers of another state to arrest in this Commonwealth; and, in detainers and extradition, further providing for definitions, for duty of Governor with respect to fugitives from justice and for presigned waiver of extradition.